Carmelo Anthony sits against the Heat

Carmelo Anthony took dozens of shots about an hour before tip-off, looking comfortable cradling the ball with his injured left hand.

Then he was listed as active for Thursday’s game.

And then, suddenly, the Knicks star forward was ruled out.

So, once again, Miami faced a team at less than full strength. First, it was the Cavaliers without Kyrie Irving. Then the Spurs without their six best players, four of which were sent back to San Antonio even while healthy. Then the Nets without Brook Lopez. Then the Wizards, the league’s worst team, and without John Wall.

Anthony’s absence, however, was most disappointing.

The suspicion, of course, is that he didn’t want to face his old friend and rival, LeBron James, at less than his best.

More answers after the game, which the Heat are sure to make interesting anyway.